The promotion of participatory methods for group events in Zambia: a process evaluation report for UNICEF 1994-1997

Beginning in early 1994, UNICEF Zambia made a commitment to emphasize the u se of participatory methods in conducting its business. Specifically, this has meant adopting and experimenting with a participatory methodology named VIPP (Visualization in Participatory Programmes) which had been used in a wide variety of group events, ranging from planning and review meetings to training and team building. Three years later, a process evaluation was com missioned to examine the question: How has this initiative been accepted an d what effect is it having on UNICEF-supported programmes in Zambia? Employing a widely-utilized framework for evaluating training effectiveness , the evaluation team traced the history of VIPP implementation in Zambia t hrough document reviews and interviews. In addition, the evaluators collect ed data from three different programme sites in Zambia where VIPP had been used. Several participatory evaluation techniques were used to conduct this evaluation, the first exercise of its kind for assessing VIPP application in Africa. Through this evaluation exercise, the evaluation team has gained knowledge about the strategic benefits and application of VIPP that will help with fu ture planning for VIPP in Zambia and that will also inform other UNICEF off ices and organizations about the experience of implementing a participatory methodology for programme and organisational purposes. (C) 1998 Elsevier S cience Ltd. All rights reserved.